Paramilitary troops kill IS militants upon refusal to turn in themselves

Hawija (IraqiNews.com) The pro-government paramilitary troops have killed several Islamic State militants who refused to turn in themselves in Hawija, southwest of Kirkuk.

The media service of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) said in a statement on Sunday, “troops killed several IS militants who refused to turn in themselves.”

“Troops are combing the regions under control of Peshmerga and following IS militants,” the statement added.

On Saturday, the Joint Operations Command said 385 IS members, including five snipers, were killed during the second phase of Hawija offensive. 150 villages in Hawija were freed, in addition to al-Abbassi region and the northern side of the town. Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Yarallah, commander of Hawija Operations, said Federal Police, the rapid Response forces and PMFs accomplished their targets of the second phase.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi declared on Thursday liberation of Hawija. The second phase of the offensive was launched in late September.

According to Defense Ministry’s War Media Cell, 557 IS militants were killed, while more than 100 villages and regions were liberated during the first phase, which launched on September 24th.

Having recaptured Hawija, Iraqi troops still have only western Anbar’s towns of Rawa and Qaim remain under the militant’s control.